Arrow Rests with Adjustable Brushes

ABSTRACT

An arrow rest for supporting an arrow on an archery bow. In various embodiments, the arrow rest includes a body and a plurality of brushes that are rotatably mounted to the body. The brushes define an aperture through which the arrow&#39;s shaft extends when the arrow is in a launching position. Each brush is adapted to allow a user to rotate the brush between first and second positions in which different outer surfaces of the brush engage and support the arrow. This allows a user to support the arrow with fresh bristles without replacing the brushes.

BACKGROUND

Arrow rests may include brushes or similar features for supporting anarrow. Over time such brushes can wear down which may affect theaccuracy and precision of the bow. Accordingly, there is a need forimproved arrow rests that allow a user to easily provide fresh brushsurfaces within the context of an arrow rest.

SUMMARY

An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position ona bow, in various embodiments, comprises a body and a plurality ofbrushes that are rotatably mounted adjacent the body where each of theplurality of brushes comprises a plurality of support surfaces. Each ofthe plurality of brushes is rotatable between a first position in whicha first of the plurality of support surfaces for each of the pluralityof brushes supports a shaft of the arrow when the arrow is in thelaunching position, and a second position in which a second of theplurality of support surfaces for each of the plurality of brushes isconfigured to support the arrow shaft when the arrow is in the launchingposition.

In another embodiments, an arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is ina launching position on a bow comprises a body, and at least one arrowsupport operatively coupled to the body, wherein the arrow support isadapted to allow a user to rotate the arrow support between a firstposition in which a first portion of the arrow support is configured tosupport a shaft of the arrow when the arrow is in the launchingposition, and a second position in which a second portion of the arrowsupport is configured to support the arrow shaft when the arrow is inthe launching position.

In still another embodiment, an arrow rest for supporting an arrow thatis in a launching position on a bow comprises a body defining an openingtherethrough, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the bodydefines the opening, a mounting bracket operatively coupled to the body,wherein the mounting bracket is configured to removably attach the bodyto a bow, and three arrow supports each rotatably mounted to the body sothat each arrow support extends radially inwardly from the innercircumferential surface, each of the three arrow supports furtherdefining a respective axis of rotation and a plurality of outersurfaces, each arrow support rotatable between a first position in whichone of the plurality of arrow support outer surfaces is configured toengage a shaft of an arrow when the arrow is in the launching position,and a second position in which a different one of the plurality of arrowsupport outer surfaces is configured to engage the arrow shaft when thearrow is in the launching position.

In another embodiment of an arrow support for supporting an arrow thatis in a launching position on a bow, the arrow support comprises asupport portion, a first brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent thesupport portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a secondbristle portion, and a second brush that is rotatably mounted adjacentthe support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and asecond bristle portion, wherein the arrow support is adapted to be movedbetween (1) a first configuration, in which the first bristle portion ofthe first brush and the first bristle portion of the second brushcooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is in the launchingposition, and the second bristle portion of the first brush and thesecond bristle portion of the second brush don't cooperate to supportthe arrow while the arrow is in the launching position, and (2) a secondconfiguration, in which the second bristle portion of the first brushand the second bristle portion of the second brush cooperate to supportthe arrow while the arrow is in the launching position, and the firstbristle portion of the first brush and the first bristle portion of thesecond brush don't cooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is inthe launching position.

In various embodiments, the plurality of brushes comprises three brushesthat are spaced substantially equidistantly about the body. In otherembodiments, each of the plurality of brushes defines an axis ofrotation about which the brush may rotate, and each axis of rotation issubstantially parallel to the arrow shaft. In still other embodiments,each of the plurality of brushes defines an axis of rotation about whichthe brush may rotate, and each axis of rotation is substantiallyperpendicular to the arrow shaft. In other embodiments, each pluralityof support surfaces comprises three support surfaces. In otherembodiments, each of the plurality of support surfaces comprises aplurality of bristles. In some embodiments, each of the plurality ofsupport surfaces is concave. In some embodiments, the respective supportsurfaces of the plurality of brushes together define an aperture that isconfigured to receive the arrow shaft. In still other embodiments, a gapis defined between two adjacent brushes of the plurality of brushes toallow a fletching of the arrow to pass between the two adjacent brusheswhen the arrow is shot from the bow. In yet other embodiments, each ofthe plurality of support surfaces is formed at least partially from aplurality of bristles. In various other embodiments, the body issubstantially C-shaped with a gap formed therein to allow the arrow tobe inserted into an opening defined by the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described various embodiments in general terms, reference willnow be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an arrow rest on abow.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of the arrow rest on the bow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the arrow rest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a fifthembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a sixthembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to aseventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to aneighth embodiment.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of an arrow rest according to aninth embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the arrow rest of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to a tenthembodiment.

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to an eleventhembodiment.

FIG. 13B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to a twelfthembodiment.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 14A.

FIGS. 15A-15L are perspective views of brushes for arrow rests accordingto various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various relevantembodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

An arrow rest 10 according to a particular embodiment is shown in FIGS.1-3. Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the arrow rest 10 comprises: (1)a body 18; (2) a stem 20; (3) a mounting bracket 22; and (4) a pluralityof brushes 24A that are rotatably mounted to the body 18. These elementstogether form an arrow rest 10 and will be described in greater detailbelow.

Arrow Rest Body

Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the arrow rest body 18A is attached tothe stem 20 by any suitable attachment means, such as weldments,fasteners, and adhesive or by a press fit. It should be understood thatin some embodiments, the stem 20 may be integrally formed with body 18A.As should be understood from this figure, the mounting bracket 22 isslidably received on the stem 20 adjacent (e.g., to) an edge portion 28of the body 18A. While the mounting bracket 22 is slidably received onthe stem 20, it can be secured in a particular location by tightening alocking screw 38, which causes the mounting bracket 22 to create a pressfit on the stem 20.

The body 18A also contains a plurality inward extending brush supportarms, generally denoted as 26A that extend into an opening 19 defined byan inner circumferential surface 30 of the body 18A. The brush supportarms 26A are configured to rotatably receive a brush, as furtherexplained below. The brush support arms 26A are formed substantiallyperpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to the body's inner circumferentialsurface 30 and extend radially inward from the surface 30. However, itshould be understood that the brush support arms 26A may be disposed atan angle with respect to the body's inner circumferential surface 30. Invarious embodiments, each of the brush support arms 26A are formed fromtwo generally parallel arms 32A and 34A. In some embodiments, the brushsupport arms 26A may be formed from a single arm. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 3, three brush support arms 26A are spaced equidistantlyaround the inner circumferential surface 30 (e.g. about 60 degrees apartfrom one another.). In various other embodiments, the arrow rest 10 mayinclude only two brush support arms 26A (each with a correspondingbrush), which are spaced apart approximately 180 degrees (e.g., 180degrees) from one another. In still yet other embodiments, the arrowrest 10 may include only a single brush support arm (with acorresponding brush) that may, for example, be positioned opposite afixed support.

While the body 18A is generally shown as octagonal in shape, it shouldbe understood from this disclosure that the body may be formed in anysuitable shape, for example, circular, square or polygonal. For example,the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a generally circularbody. Moreover, in the various embodiments shown, the bodies 18A and 18Bcontain an open gap 36 that allows the user to easily insert an arrowinto the arrow rest 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the arrow rest 10 may be attached to a bow 5 in anysuitable manner by mounting bracket 22 (e.g., using suitable fastenerssuch as screws). When attached to the bow 5, the arrow rest 10 isadapted to maintain an arrow 50 in a particular orientation relative tothe bow 5. That is, referring once again to FIGS. 1-2, when the arrowrest 10 is mounted to a bow 5, an axis 14 of the bow 5 is substantiallyperpendicular to an axis 16 of arrow 50.

In particular embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10,the arrow rest 10 comprises a substantially C-shaped circular body 18Bhaving the gap 36 formed therein to allow the user to load an arrow 50in the arrow rest. In these embodiments, the brush supports 26B areformed from two substantially parallel arms 32B and 34B that arefastened to the body 18B using suitable fasteners 41, for example, ascrew or bolt. In other embodiments, parallel arms 32B and 34B may bewelded, or attached in any other suitable way, to the body 18B.

In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 11-14, the arrowrests 10 comprise a substantially square shaped body 18C having roundedcorners and a gap 36 formed therein to allow the user to load an arrow50 in the arrow rest body. In these embodiments, the brush supports 32Care defined by a single arm integrally formed with the body 18C. Inother embodiments, the brush supports 32C may be welded, or attached inany other suitable manner, to the body 18C. In particular and referringto FIG. 11A, the body 18C is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket22 by the stem 20. The body 18C is slidably coupled to the stem 20 by acylindrical shaped nut 39 that is received in a slot (not numbered)defined by the end 28 of the body 18C and a bolt 37. In thisconfiguration, the C-shaped body 18C is slidable with respect to thestem 20 when bolt 37 is loosened, and is fixed to the stem 20 when thebolt 37 is tightened. The brush support arms 32C are generally spacedequidistant about the inner circumference of the body 18C approximatelysixty degrees apart from one another. In other embodiments, the spacingmay differ depending on the operation and use of the arrow rest.

Brushes

Still referring to FIG. 3, the arrow rest 10 comprises a plurality ofbrushes 24A that are rotatably mounted adjacent (e.g., to and between)respective pairs of brush support arms 26A. In the embodiment shown inthis figure, each of the parallel arms 32A and 34A is substantiallyplanar (e.g., planar) and extends radially inward from the innercircumferential surface 30 of the body 18A. In the embodiment shown inthis figure, the parallel arms 32A and 34A are integrally formed withthe body 18A. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-10, theparallel arms 32B and 34B are attached to body 18B by fasteners (e.g.screws, bolts, weldments or any other suitable fastener).

In various embodiments, the parallel arms 32A and 34A are substantiallyco-facing (e.g., co-facing) and spaced a distance apart from oneanother. In particular embodiments, the parallel arms 32A and 34A arespaced apart a distance that is sufficient to allow a brush 24A to fittherebetween. In various embodiments, each of the parallel arms 32A and34A define a substantially circular (e.g., circular) opening (notpictured) adjacent the distal end of the arm such that a center of theopening in arm 32A and a center of an opening in arm 34A issubstantially co-linear along a line that is perpendicular to the faceof each opening. In various embodiments, the parallel arm openings mayhave a diameter that is about the same as a diameter of a rod 40 thatmay, for example, be press fitted into the corresponding openings orfastened therein by threads, a nut or any other suitable fastener. Inparticular embodiments, the rod 40 may be adapted to rotate freelywithin the arm substantially circular openings. In other embodiments,the rod 40 may be adapted to lock in a particular orientation within thearm substantially circular openings by tightening a bolt or a screw thatforms a press fit between the arms and the brush. In still otherembodiments, the brush 24A may be adapted to allow a user to selectivelylock the brush in various orientations within the arms.

The parallel arms 32A and 34A are disposed such that an axis 42 thatextends through the center of their respective openings is substantiallyperpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to the arrow shaft's central axis 16when the arrow 50 is supported by the arrow rest 10 and within theshooting position. In other embodiments, such as the embodiments shownin FIGS. 6-10, the parallel arms 32B and 34B may be disposed such thatan axis 42B through the center of their respective openings issubstantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to the arrow shaft's centralaxis 16 when the arrow 50 is placed within the arrow rest 10.

Still referring to FIG. 3, an outer circumferential surface 44 of eachmounted brush together defines an opening (not numbered) that isconfigured to receive the shaft of arrow 50. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the outer circumferential surface 44 of each brush is concave inshape such that all of the support surfaces defined by the bristlestogether substantially define a circular aperture 46 having a diameterthat is substantially (e.g. exactly) the same as the diameter of thearrow shaft. In this way, when the shaft of the arrow 50 is disposedbetween the brush outer circumferential surfaces 44, the brushes supportthe shaft. Moreover, because any two adjacent brushes are spaced apartfrom each other, a gap 46 is formed between adjacent brushes 24A thatallows a fletching 48 on the arrow 50 to pass through the respective gap46 when the arrow is shot from the bow 5. In this way, while the brushsurfaces 44 maintain the arrow in a particular orientation, the brusheswill not interfere with the flight of the arrow since each fletching 48can pass unobstructed through a respective gap 48. Thus, in variousembodiments, the various brush support arms 24A, 24B, 32C are positionedso that each fletching on the arrow to be fired aligns with a gap 48formed between two of the arrow rest's respective brushes.

In various other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, each brush 24 iscoupled to the body 18C by the respective single brush support arm 32C.For example and referring specifically to the embodiment shown in FIG.11A, each brush 241 is operatively coupled to a respective brush supportarm 32C by a screw 40 and bolt 41. In various embodiments, brush 241 mayrotate with respect to the brush support arm 32C about screw 40, and inother embodiments, the brushes may be rotationally fixed. In still otherembodiments, the brushes may be rotationally fixed but, moveable whenthe user rotates the brush. In these embodiments, the brushes maycontain a locking mechanism that maintains each brush in a set positionuntil rotational force overcomes the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may consist of a plurality ofradially extending teeth formed on the brush hub that engage acorresponding tooth formed on the brush support arm adjacent the brushteeth so that the brush teeth engage with the tooth formed on the brushsupport arm. In this configuration, the support arm tooth maintains thebrush in a first position until the user rotates the brush. In stillother embodiments where the brushes are rotationally fixed but, moveableby the user, the brushes may be maintained in a fixed position byfrictional force until the user exerts a rotational force that overcomesthe frictional force. Thus, it should be understood by reference to thisdisclosure that many suitable locking mechanisms may be used torotationally fix the brush in a first position while allowing it to bemoved to a second position. In various embodiments the axis 42 (FIG.11B) is positioned perpendicular to the arrow shaft's central axis 16 sothat the brush surface 44 aligns with the arrow shaft's axis 16 (FIG.11B).

FIGS. 3-14 show the arrow rest 10 with various embodiments of brushesand brush configurations. FIGS. 15A-15L show various brush embodimentsfrom FIGS. 3-14. As shown in these figures, each brush 24A-24L comprisesa central portion 52A-52L (See FIGS. 15A-15L) that defines asubstantially circular (e.g., circular) opening 56A-56L that isdimensioned to be rotatably received on the rod 40. In particularembodiments, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the brushcentral portions 52B, 52G, 52H is a substantially rectangular (e.g.,rectangular) prism. In the embodiments in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13and 14, the brush central portion 52A, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, 521, 52K and52L is substantially cylindrical (e.g., a circular cylinder). In otherembodiments such as that shown in FIG. 12, the brush central portion 52Jmay be substantially triangular (e.g., triangular) or any other suitableshape (e.g., rectangular, or hexagonal). Each brush 24A-24L furthercomprises a plurality of bristles 54A-54L that extend substantiallyradially outward from its respective brush central portion 52A-52L invarious arrangements as described in more detail below. In variousembodiments, the bristles 54A-54L may have any suitable diameter andlength, and may be sufficiently stiff to support an arrow.

First Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15A, the brush 24A comprises a plurality ofbristles 54A that are substantially evenly spaced along both the lengthof the brush central portion 52A and around the brush's circumference.In this embodiment, the length of the bristles 54A is greater on theouter portions of the brush's central portion 52A than on the interiorportions of the brush central portion. As may be understood from thisfigure, in this embodiment, the ends of the bristles 54A cooperate todefine a substantially concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) support surface44 for supporting an arrow 50. In particular embodiments, thissubstantially V-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) support surface may be sized tocorrespond generally to an arrow's shaft. As previously discussed above,when three brushes, such as brush 24A, are equally spaced about thearrow rest's body 18A (see FIG. 3), the respective V-shaped portions ofthe brushes together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.

Second Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 15B, the brush 24B comprises a plurality of bristles54B that extend substantially perpendicularly from the outer surfaces ofthe substantially rectangular central portion 52B. In this embodiment,the length of the bristles 54B are such that the bristle's ends define asubstantially concave (e.g., a V-shaped) support surface 44B forsupporting an arrow's shaft. In various embodiments, such as theembodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the bristles may be disposed on all fourouter surfaces of the brush's central portion. In particularembodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the bristles may bedisposed on two of the central portion's opposing outer surfaces. Inother embodiments, the brush may comprise bristles that extend from anycombination of the central portion's outer surfaces. As previouslydiscussed above, when three brushes are equally spaced about the arrowrest's body 18A (see FIG. 4), the respective V-shaped portions of thebrushes together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.

Third Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 15C, the brush 24C comprises a plurality ofbristles 54C that are substantially evenly spaced both along the lengthand circumference of the brush central portion 52C. In this embodiment,the bristles 54C extend at an angle from the central portion outersurface of about sixty degrees. In various embodiments, the bristles mayextend at any suitable angle from the central portion outer surface(e.g., between about 45 degrees and 80 degrees). In this embodiment, thelength of the bristles 54C is greater on the outer portions of the brushcentral portion 52C than on the middle of the central portion. As may beunderstood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 54C define asubstantially concave (e.g., V-shaped) support surface 44C forsupporting an arrow 50. As previously discussed above, when threebrushes are equally spaced about the arrow rest's body 18A (see FIG. 5),the respective V-shaped portions of the brushes together define anaperture in which the arrow shaft sits.

Fourth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 15D, the brush 24D comprises a plurality ofbristles 54D that are substantially evenly spaced along both the lengthand the circumference of the brush central portion 52D. In thisembodiment, the bristles 54D are all substantially the same length. Asmay be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 54D definea curved support surface for supporting an arrow's shaft. Thus, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, when three brushes are spaced equidistantlyaround the inner circumference of body 18B, the bristles of each brushdefine a surface 44D, which, when the arrow rest is in use, restsagainst the arrow shaft approximately 60 degrees apart from an adjacentbrush surface. In this manner, the brushes 24D serve to support theshaft of an arrow 50 as shown in FIG. 6.

Fifth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 15E, the brush 24E comprises a plurality ofbristles 54E that are substantially evenly spaced both along the lengthand around the circumference of the brush central portion 52E. In thisembodiment, the length of the bristles 54E varies around thecircumference of the brush central portion 52E so as to define foursubstantially V-shaped (e.g.,

V-shaped) support surfaces 44E spaced evenly about the brush's centralportion 52E. As previously discussed above, when three brushes areequally spaced about arrow rest's body 18B (see FIG. 7) they togetherdefine an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.

Sixth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15F, the brush 24F comprises a plurality ofbristles 54F that are substantially evenly spaced both along the lengthand circumference of the brush central portion 52F. In this embodiment,the bristles 54F are all substantially the same length and have adiameter that is greater than the diameter of the bristles shown in thevarious other embodiments. As may be understood from this figure, theends of the bristles define a substantially flat (e.g., flat) supportsurface 44F for supporting an arrow's shaft.

Seventh Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 15G, the brush 24G comprises a plurality ofbristles 54G that extend substantially perpendicularly from each surfaceof a substantially rectangular central portion 52G. In this embodiment,the bristles 54G are substantially the same length, and define foursubstantially flat (e.g., flat) support surfaces 44G for supporting anarrow shaft as shown in FIG. 9.

Eighth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 15H, the brush 24H comprises a plurality ofbristles 54H that extend from all four sides of the central portion 52H.In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in this figure,the bristles 54H extend at an angle of about sixty degrees from thecentral portion's outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the bristles mayextend at any suitable angle from the outer surfaces (e.g., betweenabout 45 degrees and 80 degrees) such that the bristle ends define asurface suitable for supporting an arrow. As may be understood from thisfigure, the bristle ends define a substantially flat (e.g., flat)support surface 44H for supporting an arrow shaft.

Ninth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B and 15I, the brush 241 comprises a pluralityof bristles 541 that extend from the outer circumference of the centralportion 521. In this embodiment, the bristles 541 are all substantiallythe same length. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of thebristles 541 define a flat support surface for supporting an arrow'sshaft. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, when threebrushes are spaced equidistantly around the inner circumference of body18C, the bristles of each brush define a surface 441, which, when thearrow rest is in use, rests against the arrow shaft approximately 60degrees apart from an adjacent brush surface. In this manner, thebrushes 241 serve to support the shaft of an arrow 50 as shown in FIG.11B.

Tenth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 15J, the brush 24J comprises a pluralityof bristles 54J that extend from each of the three sides of the centralportion 52J. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inthis figure, the bristles 54J extend at an angle of about sixty degreesfrom the central portion's outer surfaces. In other embodiments, thebristles may extend at any suitable angle from the outer surfaces (e.g.,between about 45 degrees and 80 degrees) such that the bristle endsdefine a surface suitable for supporting an arrow. As may be understoodfrom this figure, the bristle ends define a substantially flat (e.g.,flat) support surface 44J for supporting an arrow shaft.

Eleventh Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B and 15K, the brush 24K comprises two brushesthat extend from an outer circumference of the central portion 52K andare spaced apart from each other by a fixed distance so as to define agap (not numbered) between the adjacent brushes. In this embodiment, thebristles 54K are all substantially the same length. As may be understoodfrom this figure, the ends of the bristles 54K define two flat supportsurfaces for supporting an arrow's shaft. Thus, in the embodiment shownin FIGS. 13A-13B, when three brushes are spaced equidistantly around theinner circumference of body 18C, the bristles of each brush define asurface 44K, which, when the arrow rest is in use, rests against thearrow shaft approximately 60 degrees apart from an adjacent brushsurface. In this manner, the brushes 24K serve to support the shaft ofan arrow 50 as shown in FIG. 13B.

Twelfth Brush Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B and 15L, the brush 24L comprises a pluralityof bristles 54L that extend from the outer circumference of the centralportion 52L. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inthis figure, the bristles 54L are of varying lengths so that the ends ofthe bristles defines a substantially hexagonal surface suitable forsupporting an arrow. As may be understood from this figure, the bristleends define six substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surfaces 44L forsupporting an arrow shaft.

Exemplary Use

The arrow rest 10 may be used in combination with an archery bow (e.g.,a compound bow or other suitable bow). As discussed above, each brush isrotatably mounted adjacent a respective brush support arm 26A, 26B or32C. In other embodiments, the brushes may be substantially coupled(e.g., coupled) to the rod, which may then be adapted to rotate withinthe substantially parallel arms 32A, 32B and 34A, 34B. In particularembodiments, the brush may be adapted to allow a user to lock the brush(e.g., using a suitable locking mechanism such as a screw or a press fitbetween arms 32A, 32B and 34A, 34B) in a particular orientation aboutthe brush's axis of rotation. In other embodiments, the brush may beadapted to allow a user to selectively lock the brush (e.g., using asuitable locking mechanism such as a screw) in any of a plurality ofparticular angular orientations about the brush axis of rotation.

In particular embodiments, the brushes are adapted to allow a user toadjust the position of each brush (e.g., by rotating each brush into adifferent orientation about its center of rotation) such that adifferent portion of the support surface defined by the brush's bristlessupport the arrow. In particular embodiments, rotation of the brushes bythe user may allow the arrow rest to provide a support surface for thearrow that comprises substantially new bristles (e.g., bristles thathave not previously supported an arrow as the arrow is being shot from abow). For example, for the arrow rest 10 in FIG. 3, the user may adjustthe orientation of the three brushes 24A by rotating them about theirrespective axes of rotation such that a different portion of theV-shaped support surface 44 defined by the ends of the bristles supportsthe arrow. In the arrow rest shown in FIG. 5, a user may adjust thebrushes 24C about their axes of rotation such that a different V-shapedsupport surface defined by the bristles support the arrow.

Alternative Embodiments

Alternative Number of Brushes

In the arrow rest embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-14, three brushes areshown spaced equidistantly about the inner circumference of body 18A,body 18B or body 18C. In various other embodiments, less than threebrushes may be used to support the shaft of arrow 50. For example, insome embodiments, two brushes may be spaced apart from each other suchthat the surfaces of the brushes together support the arrow shaft. Instill other embodiments, a single brush and a fixed non-brush surfacecooperate to support the arrow shaft. In yet other embodiments, morethan three brushes may be used.

Mixed Brush Embodiments

In particular embodiments, an arrow rest may comprise any combination ofthe brush embodiments described above. For example, in particularembodiments, an arrow rest may comprise one brush such as the brush 24Bdescribed in the embodiment from FIG. 4 and two brushes such as thebrush 24C described in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, an arrow rest maycomprise any suitable combination of any number of the brush embodimentsdescribed above.

Brush Rotation

In the embodiments described herein, while each brush is rotatablyreceived on a support rod 40 the brush may be maintained in a particularorientation by friction or a suitable locking mechanism. In otheralternate embodiments, each brush may freely rotate around itsrespective rod, or, if the brush is fixed on the rod, the rod may freelyrotate in the arm holes.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by oneskilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the inventionmay take form in a variety of different mechanical and operationalconfigurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention isnot to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that themodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific termsare employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for the purposes of limitation.

We claim:
 1. An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in alaunching position on a bow, said arrow rest comprising: a. a body; andb. a plurality of brushes that are rotatably mounted adjacent said body,each of said plurality of brushes comprising a plurality of supportsurfaces, wherein each of said plurality of brushes is rotatablebetween: i. a first position in which a first of said plurality ofsupport surfaces for each of said plurality of brushes supports a shaftof said arrow when said arrow is in said launching position; and ii. asecond position in which a second of said plurality of support surfacesfor each of said plurality of brushes is configured to support saidarrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.
 2. The arrowrest of claim 1, wherein said plurality of brushes comprises threebrushes that are spaced substantially equidistantly about said body. 3.The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein a. each of said plurality of brushesdefines an axis of rotation about which said brush may rotate; and b.each axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said arrow shaft. 4.The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein a. each of said plurality of brushesdefines an axis of rotation about which said brush may rotate; and b.each axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to said arrowshaft.
 5. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein each plurality of supportsurfaces comprises three support surfaces.
 6. The arrow rest of claim 1,wherein each of said plurality of support surfaces comprises a pluralityof bristles.
 7. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein each of saidplurality of support surfaces is concave.
 8. The arrow rest of claim 1,wherein the respective support surfaces of said plurality of brushestogether define an aperture that is configured to receive said arrowshaft.
 9. The arrow rest of claim 8, further comprising a gap definedbetween two adjacent brushes of said plurality of brushes to allow afletching of said arrow to pass between said two adjacent brushes whensaid arrow is shot from said bow.
 10. The arrow rest of claim 1, whereinsaid each of said plurality of support surfaces is formed at leastpartially from a plurality of bristles.
 11. The arrow rest of claim 1,wherein said body is substantially C-shaped with a gap formed therein toallow said arrow to be inserted into an opening defined by said body.12. An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launchingposition on a bow, said arrow rest comprising: a. a body; and b. atleast one arrow support operatively coupled to said body, wherein saidarrow support is adapted to allow a user to rotate said arrow supportbetween: i. a first position in which a first portion of said arrowsupport is configured to support a shaft of said arrow when said arrowis in said launching position; and ii. a second position in which asecond portion of said arrow support is configured to support said arrowshaft when said arrow is in said launching position.
 13. The arrow restof claim 12, wherein a. said body defines an opening therethrough, b. aninner circumferential surface of said body defines said opening, and c.said at least one arrow support is operatively coupled to said innercircumferential surface.
 14. The arrow rest of claim 13, furthercomprising a plurality of arrow supports operatively coupled to saidinner circumferential surface and spaced substantially equidistantlyabout said inner circumferential surface.
 15. The arrow rest of claim12, wherein a. said at least one brush defines an axis of rotation aboutwhich said brush rotates; and b. said at least one axis of rotation issubstantially parallel to said arrow shaft.
 16. The arrow rest of claim12, wherein said at least one arrow support further comprises an outersurface that is concave.
 17. The arrow rest of claim 12, wherein anouter surface of said at least one arrow support is formed from aplurality of flexible bristles.
 18. An arrow rest for supporting anarrow that is in a launching position on a bow, said arrow restcomprising: a. a body defining an opening therethrough, wherein an innercircumferential surface of said body defines said opening; b. a mountingbracket operatively coupled to said body, wherein said mounting bracketis configured to removably attach said body to a bow; and c. three arrowsupports each rotatably mounted to said body so that each arrow supportextends radially inwardly from said inner circumferential surface, eachof said three arrow supports further defining a respective axis ofrotation and a plurality of outer surfaces, each arrow support rotatablebetween: i. a first position in which one of said plurality of arrowsupport outer surfaces is configured to engage a shaft of an arrow whensaid arrow is in said launching position; and ii. a second position inwhich a different one of said plurality of arrow support outer surfacesis configured to engage said arrow shaft when said arrow is in saidlaunching position.
 19. The arrow rest of claim 18, wherein said axis ofrotation for each arrow support is substantially perpendicular to saidarrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.
 20. The arrowrest of claim 18, wherein said each of said plurality of arrow supportouter surfaces comprises a plurality of bristles.
 21. The arrow rest ofclaim 20, wherein when said plurality of arrow support outer surfacesare aligned to support said arrow in said launching position, saidplurality of arrow support outer surfaces cooperate to form an aperturehaving a width that is substantially equal to a diameter of said arrowshaft.
 22. The arrow rest of claim 18, wherein each of said three arrowsupports comprises a substantially circular brush, and said plurality ofouter surfaces are different bristle portions of said brush.
 23. Anarrow support for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position ona bow, said arrow support comprising: a. a support portion; b. a firstbrush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion and thatcomprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion; and c. asecond brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion andthat comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion,wherein said arrow support is adapted to be moved between: (1) a firstconfiguration, in which: a) said first bristle portion of said firstbrush and said first bristle portion of said second brush cooperate tosupport said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position; andb) said second bristle portion of said first brush and said secondbristle portion of said second brush don't cooperate to support saidarrow while said arrow is in said launching position; (2) a secondconfiguration, in which: a) said second bristle portion of said firstbrush and said second bristle portion of said second brush cooperate tosupport said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position; andb) said first bristle portion of said first brush and said first bristleportion of said second brush don't cooperate to support said arrow whilesaid arrow is in said launching position.
 24. The arrow support of claim23, wherein said arrow support is adapted to be moved from said firstconfiguration to said second configuration by rotating each of saidfirst and second brushes about their respective central axes.
 25. Thearrow support of claim 23, wherein: a. said arrow support comprises athird brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion andthat comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion; b.when said arrow support is in said first configuration, said firstbristle portion of said third brush cooperates with said first bristleportion of said first brush and said first bristle portion of saidsecond brush to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launchingposition; and c. when said arrow support is in said secondconfiguration, said second bristle portion of said third brushcooperates with said second bristle portion of said first brush and saidsecond bristle portion of said second brush to support said arrow whilesaid arrow is in said launching position.